FIFA’s top-ranked team Belgium will lock horns with defending champions Portugal in a mouth-watering UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 clash at the Estadio de La Cartuja in Seville, Spain in the early hours of Monday, June 28 (according to Indian Standard Time).
Belgium started their Euro 2020 campaign after beating Russia 3-0 and followed it with a come from behind 2-1 win over Denmark. The Red Devils made it a perfect start after securing a 2-0 victory against Finland in their final group fixture. Roberto Martinez’s men topped Group B with nine points and they have already shown why Belgium are touted as one of the favourites to win the title this year.
Portugal, on the other hand, had mixed fortunes in the Group of Death and the Cristiano Ronaldo-led side qualified for the round of 16 in third spot (four points from three matches) for the second consecutive European Championship.
🇵🇹 ✈️ Inseparable 🥰
— UEFA EURO 2020 (@EURO2020) June 27, 2021
Will Cristiano Ronaldo & Pepe be celebrating in Seville later?#EURO2020 | #POR pic.twitter.com/Ag2bNl64Yn
While A Seleção started their tournament after defeating Hungary 3-0, they succumbed to a 4-2 defeat against Germany. Portugal ended the group stage with a 2-2 draw against world champions France to qualify for the Euro 2020 knockouts.
Belgium vs Portugal head-to-head
In the Belgium vs Portugal head-to-head record in international football, the 2016 Euro champions have a slight advantage, having won six of the 18 matches played between these two sides. Belgium, on the other hand, have managed five victories. Furthermore, Portugal have remained unbeaten against Belgium in their last five matches across all competitions. Their last defeat came in a World Cup qualifying match where they lost 3-0 in September 1989. Interestingly, this will be the first meeting between Belgium and Portugal at a major tournament (World Cup and Euros).
Belgium team news and injury updates
Belgium will be without their full-back Timothy Castagne, who has been ruled out of the ongoing European Championship after suffering a double fracture to his eye socket during their 3-0 win over Russia. Other than Castagne, Roberto Martinez will have a fully-fit squad to pick his best playing XI against a star-studded Portugal side.
Portugal team news and injury updates
Ahead of their opening encounter against Hungary, Portugal had suffered a massive blow after their full-back Joao Cancelo was ruled out of Euro 2020 having tested positive for COVID-19. Additionally, right-back Nelson Semedo is also doubtful for the round of 16 clash after he limped off in Portugal's 2-2 draw against France.
Furthermore, PSG midfielder Danilo Pereira is racing against time to be fit for the crucial encounter against Belgium.
Where to watch Belgium vs Portugal live in India?
Belgium vs Portugal UEFA Euro 2020 round of 16 match will be telecast live at 12:30 AM IST on SONY TEN 2, SONY TEN 3 and their corresponding HD TV channels in India, on Monday, June 28.
Live streaming of the Belgium vs Portugal match will be available on SonyLIV and JioTV.
SportsAdda will bring you Belgium vs Portugal live scores.
Featured photo: BERNADETT SZABO / POOL / AFP
